The General Secretary said that Vietnam and France need to continue to coordinate closely to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trade system, strongly promote bilateral trade and further open the market.

On the afternoon of April 17, at the Party Central Committee Headquarters, General Secretary To Lam received French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet.

The General Secretary highly appreciated the Ambassador's sentiments and contributions to the country and people of Vietnam, as well as to promoting Vietnam-France relations; emphasizing that France being the first EU member to become a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of Vietnam is vivid evidence that Vietnam values ​​and wishes to further deepen the friendship and comprehensive cooperation with France.

The General Secretary suggested that France, as a key member with a voice in the EU, further promote Vietnam-EU relations to contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Expressing satisfaction with the positive developments in the Vietnam-France relationship in recent times, especially in the field of trade and investment - one of the most important pillars within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - the General Secretary said that the two sides need to continue to coordinate closely to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trade system, while strongly promoting bilateral trade and further opening each other's markets, especially in the context of the world economy facing many difficulties, challenges, and increasing international trade competition.

The General Secretary agreed with the French Ambassador’s proposals on effectively implementing and making good use of the great opportunities from the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA); promoting cooperation in areas of both sides’ strengths such as infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, green energy, science and technology, innovation, aerospace, and training of high-quality human resources.

On this occasion, the General Secretary suggested that the two countries continue to deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as health, culture, conservation, museums, historical memories and archives, and cooperation between localities.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet thanked the General Secretary for taking the time to meet him. He also emphasized the important significance and outstanding results of General Secretary To Lam's visit to France in October 2024, especially the two countries upgrading their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking an important milestone in the friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

The Ambassador suggested that the two countries continue to take specific steps to deepen the new cooperation framework in a practical way; congratulated Vietnam on its dynamic socio-economic development and emphasized that France wishes to continue accompanying Vietnam on its new development path in the coming time; affirmed that Vietnam is one of France's important priority partners in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrated through increasingly vibrant visits and exchanges of delegations at all levels and the Vietnam-France cooperation mechanisms being increasingly expanded in many fields.

Agreeing with General Secretary To Lam's statements on the importance of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) for businesses of the two countries, the French Ambassador said he would urge the French National Assembly to soon ratify this Agreement, as well as urge the EC to remove the IUU Yellow Card for Vietnam's seafood exports.

General Secretary To Lam and the French Ambassador agreed to continue strengthening cooperation at multilateral forums and international organizations, promoting multilateralism, respecting international law, and addressing global challenges.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the French Ambassador emphasized that France and the EU support the stance of Vietnam and ASEAN on resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of compliance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of aviation and navigation in the region./.